The top ten traits which make a great friend have been revealed – and keeping secrets, 100 per cent honesty, and providing an alibi have topped the list.
The rules for true friendship also dictate that he or she must be a shoulder to cry on, know your favourite tipple and be available in an emergency, whatever the time of day.
Other character traits which we demand from our closest friends are always being happy to get a round in, remembering birthdays and getting on well with your partner, but not too well, a study found.
It’s also essential they are friendly with, and on first name terms with your parents and can provide a shoulder to cry on as and when needed.
The traits emerged following a study of 2,000 adults by the social platform eventbuddie.com, which connects you with like-minded individuals in London to share a host of activities.
Professor Merlin Stone, from the eventbuddie.com London launch team, said: ‘This research shows what it takes to be a good friend and many will be able to relate to the rules in this list.
‘If you can resonate with many of them, you are very fortunate to have found solid friends to rely on.
‘When you can cry laughing over private jokes and are also happy to sit in comfortable silence with someone you know, it’s a good sign they will be a friend for life.’
The study also found the perfect pal will change their plans to help you out, even if it means inconveniencing someone else, will always be proud of your achievements and trusts your opinions implicitly.
The report also revealed friends must protect you from unwanted attention in public places, know what clothes suit you, will lend you clothes and borrow yours and be able to throw a great party.
School was named as the most common place to meet those who became your oldest friends followed by work.
And the average adult has just four true friends and one best friend the survey found.
THE TOP 10 GOLDEN RULES OF FRIENDSHIP
- Be a good listener
- Give you an honest opinion
- Silences are never awkward with them
- They provide a shoulder to cry on
- They have shared interests with them
- You have the ability to not see each other for long periods but nothing changes
- They trust your opinion/listens to you
- They keep your secrets/business private
- They would change their plans to help you out
- They can tell when you are feeling down in the dumps, even when you haven’t said anything
